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<P>Matthew,</P>
<P>>>Breen wrote: "The problem is the widespread misperception in Korea that, in the details of the bilateral relationship, the US acts in its own interest and against Korean interest." I realize that I am bringing up an issue of contention, but are the members of the list in general agreement that this is truly a "misperception"? The nature of the US-Korea relationship cannot be summed up in so simple a statement, no matter the position.>></P>
<P>It is a simple statement, summing up my view of anti-Americanism, not of the nature of the bilateral relationship. (My simple statement for that is: Americans are from Mars, Koreans are from Venus. Please discuss.)</P>
<P>I find a lot of confusion in Korea over this idea of national interest. For example, you often hear the accusation, "America is in Korea for its own interest." As if that's not what countries do, act in their own perceived national interest. </P>
<P>I feel that many Koreans believe the US is acting against South Korean interest, but when their railing against it leads to calls in the US for a withdrawal, they switch. In other words, their underlying desire - and this forms the national interest - is for continued US protection. Hence the other feeling is a misperception. Does that confuse things more? </P>
<P>As for my own position, I'm leaning to the idea that it is in Korea's national interest for a reconfiguration of the US presence here. I think the South Koreans should handle the conventional threat from North Korea and that the US should be here for regional defense i.e. get off the DMZ, out of Seoul, and keep Kimhae, Osan and a few others. My reasoning is for peninsular liberation: I think the NKs have to know the SKs can woop them on their own before they'll truly give up.</P>
<P>Mike</P>
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<DIV></DIV>>I, for one, was surprised that the author of a very insightful piece of literature on Korea could come up with nothing more substantial.
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<DIV></DIV>>Matthew Shapiro
<DIV></DIV>>Political Economy and Public Policy Program
<DIV></DIV>>Economics Department
<DIV></DIV>>University of Southern California
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